Open-Rank Researcher: Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience

UC Irvine; California; On-site; USD 93,400 - 248,400; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine invites applications for a Professional Researcher position in the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior. The role spans Assistant to Full rank, with a focus on independent research while supporting existing projects in psychiatry, neuroscience, and related fields.

The successful candidate will run independent projects, contribute to publications, and assist with grant applications. Initial appointments are for one year, with renewal contingent on funding and need.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with research in psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics, neuroimaging, or related fields.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to publications.
• Experience with grant writing and applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research while supporting ongoing projects.
• Contribute to publications and grant applications.
• Collaborate with clinical and translational psychiatry teams.

Skills

Research experience

Publication record

Independent researcher

Education

PhD or equivalent degree

Job description

Position Overview

Position Overview

Salary range: The annual salary range for this position is $93,400- $248,400. The hourly rate for this position is $44.74 - $118.97. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table Represented, Exempt and Represented, Non-Exempt for the salary range for this position.

Application Window

Open date: May 20, 2026

Most recent review date: Thursday, Jul 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, May 19, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine anticipates openings for a Professional Researcher at the Assistant, Associate, and Full rank throughout the academic year 2026–2027.

Applications are sought from candidates with a PhD or equivalent, with a strong research background, publication record, and experience in psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics, neuroimaging, radiopharmaceutical chemistry, or related fields. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, contribute to publications, and assist with grant applications.

The ideal candidate is seeking a position that combines the opportunity to conduct independent research while supporting ongoing projects in areas including, but not limited to, clinical and translational psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics and genomics, neuroimaging, behavioral and cognitive science, addiction research, child and adolescent mental health, computational psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and population mental health.

This is an ongoing recruitment. Positions, including part-time appointments, are dependent upon extramural funding and departmental need. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Initial appointments are for one year, with renewal based on the availability of funding and need.

Department: https://medschool.uci.edu/research/clinical-departments/psychiatry-human-behavior

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. or equivalent degree with experience in areas not limited to clinical and translational psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics and genomics, neuroimaging, behavioral and cognitive science, addiction research, child and adolescent mental health, computational psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and population mental health.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Candidates are welcome to discuss any work related to inclusive excellence in their written materials.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
  
  

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)
  
  

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10171

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy .

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .
  
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Orange, CA